LOBE SCIENCES LTD. (OTC - GTSIF; CSE - LOBE) - Industry: BioPharma - Goldman Small Cap Research
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Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT February 24, 2021 LOBE SCIENCES LTD. (OTC – GTSIF; CSE - LOBE) Industry: BioPharma Price Target: $0.68 www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 1 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT LOBE SCIENCES LTD. Leading Innovation in Psychedelic Medicine and Drug Delivery Rob Goldman February 24, 2021 rob@goldmanresearch.com LOBE SCIENCES LTD. (OTC – GTSIF - $0.17; CSE – LOBE) Industry: BioPharma Price Target: $0.68 COMPANY SNAPSHOT INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS Lobe Sciences is a life sciences company focused Lobe Sciences appears poised to emerge as an on psychedelic medicines. The Company, through innovative leader in the development of collaborations with industry leading partners, is psychedelic medicines and drug delivery engaged in drug research and development using devices to treat a variety of unmet needs, psychedelic compounds and the development of representing multi-billion-dollar markets. innovative devices and delivery mechanisms to Primary indications include mild traumatic brain improve mental health and wellness. injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using a psilocybin/N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) KEY STATISTICS combination. Price as of 2/23/21 $0.17 The Company is also developing a unique Nasal $0.2193 - Mist device that could be used with its flagship 52 Week High – Low medicine under development or as a broad- $0.0158 Est. Current Shares Out. 199.7M based delivery system. Going forward, management will likely submit for FDA 510(k) Market Capitalization $34M clearance for this device, broadening its reach and Average Volume 1,727,426 generating revenue. Exchange OTCPK Leveraging its five submitted patents and COMPANY INFORMATION unique approach, GTSIF is currently engaged in a preclinical study at the University of Miami. Lobe Sciences LTD Plus, the Nasal device is presently in the 422 Richards Street prototyping phase. Suite 170 Vancouver BC V6B 2Z4 Management just completed an asset sale CANADA through a subsidiary vendor that will provide $32M in non-dilutive capital---an event and Web: www.LobeSciences.com figure not reflected in the current stock price. Email: info@lobesciences.com Thus, GTSIF can largely self-fund development, Phone : 604.834.9499 M&A, and IP acquisition. Based on the peer group valuations and the value of upcoming milestones, we arrive at a six-month target price of $0.68, a level 4x higher than current prices. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 2 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT COMPANY OVERVIEW The View from 30,000 Feet Vancouver-based Lobe Sciences LTD (OTC – GTSIF; CSE – LOBE) appears poised to emerge as an innovative leader in the development of psychedelic medicines and drug delivery devices to treat a variety of unmet needs. The initial indications for the Company’s psilocybin/N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) combination are to treat patients suffering from mTBI (mild Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). GTSIF is also developing a Nasal Mist Transducer Device, which would serve as an efficient drug delivery unit for its mTBI/PTSD drug under development as well as other conditions. To date, the Company is engaged in an ongoing preclinical study with the University of Miami for the treatment of PTSD and/or TBI with PTSD. Plus, GTSIF has commenced prototype engineering and development of its Nasal Mist device. Going forward, management is laser-focused on leveraging its portfolio of 5 patents pending, along with further development of these flagship products. With the sale of an asset providing $32M in non-dilutive capital, GTSIF is uniquely positioned to largely self-fund its R&D efforts and execute M&A or IP asset acquisition to complement its current portfolio. The proliferation of companies developing psychedelic-based approaches to mental health and wellness has reached a feverish pace in the past couple of years as the benefits associated with such organic or inorganic compounds have become universally accepted. As a result, a number of preclinical and clinical studies and trials have commenced in universities and sites across the globe. In our view, GTSIF is uniquely positioned to succeed and emerge as one of the leading players in this segment. Moreover, at current prices, we believe that GTSIF’s existing and prospective value have been overlooked by the market and these shares are grossly undervalued. As milestones are achieved, we project that the valuation differential between the larger market cap players and GTSIF will narrow markedly in the coming months. As a result, our price target of $0.68, essentially 4x its recent closing price, could be achieved in the next six months. It should be noted that even at this price level, GTSIF’s shares would likely remain behind the small number of segment leaders, but could still represent at the top of what might be considered the second tier, pending moves higher. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 3 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY: NO, YOU’RE NOT HALLUCINATING Historically, psychedelics were found to have a strong application in the mental health space, particularly in depression, anxiety and PTSD as they have the ability to alter the perception and the mood of an individual and impact various cognitive processes. Research has shown that many of these are safe to consume from a physiological standpoint (in small quantities) and do not lead to dependence or addiction. The treatment of depression, PTSD. TBI, and other mental health and wellness disorders with psychedelics is dramatically different from cannabis, which holds much promise as a treatment for various conditions, but a weak history of deep research. Conversely, a recent US News and World Report feature story notes that: “Decades of research have demonstrated that psychedelics, which are hallucinogenic drugs, are effective in treating mental disorders such as depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD and anxiety. The Food and Drug Administration has approved and fast-tracked several clinical research trials. The burgeoning psychedelic sector is attracting attention from investors as more companies have gone public, and research has increased rapidly due to greater mainstream and government acceptance and decriminalization.” This theme is bolstered by a late 2020 industry report on the space. A recent study of the U.S. psychedelic drug space suggests that the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% from 2019 to 2027, largely driven by the increasing prevalence of depression, PTSD, TBI, and other disorders. The Data Bridge Market Research report notes that the market is expected to total approximately $6.8 billion by 2027, up from $2 billion in 2019. It should be noted that the US News and World Report story cites a potential market reaching $100B, with the bar lowered in some cases for approval, thanks Breakthrough Therapy designations. Hundreds of studies have been conducted over the past 10 to 20 years at highly respected institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, New York University, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, and the Toronto Center for Psychedelic Science and many institutions have launched centers specifically charged with R&D with psychedelics. Plus, nearly two dozen clinical trials are underway in the US and dozens of preclinical studies have commenced around the globe. Against this backdrop, a couple of dozen firms (most based in Canada) have gone public and are attracting capital, and investors. There is even an ETF where opportunistic can buy a basket of stocks and participate in its growth. Meanwhile these firms are also on the prowl for assets and IP—which is a key differentiator in this segment. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 4 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT The Hurdles Many psychedelic drugs in the U.S. are categorized as Schedule 1, including MDMA (ecstasy), LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylemide), psilocybin (mushrooms), mescaline, heroin, and cannabis. Similar to cannabis, drugs like psilocybin can be legalized by states or municipalities, which has occurred in Oakland and Santa Cruz, California, as well as in the state of Oregon. With many states facing large budget deficits and the drug decriminalization efforts appearing in bills on more and more state legislatures, we expect more states to follow suit. Still, the regulatory environment remains a hurdle. The Players While we identified nearly two dozen firms in this arena, we have elected to highlight a handful which represent the closest peers to GTSIF, and thereby excluded companies researching and developing products featuring the efficacy of ketamine, for example. COMPASS Pathways PLC (NASDAQ – CMPS) operates as a mental health care company in the United Kingdom and the United States. It develops COMP360, a psilocybin formulation, which is in Phase IIb clinical trial to treat patients with treatment-resistant depression. CMPS has the largest market cap by far (as noted on Table I below), buoyed by a patent award relating to “methods of treating drug-resistant depression with a psilocybin formulation.” Cybin Inc. (OTC – CLXPF) focuses on developing psychedelic therapeutics to treat various psychiatric and neurological conditions. The company operates through two segments, Serenity Life and Natures Journey. The Serenity Life segment engages in the research and development of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical psilocybin products. The Natures Journey segment focuses on non-psychedelic medical mushroom nutraceutical products. Mind Medicine Inc. (OTC – MMEDF) is a psychedelic medicine biotech company, discovers, develops, and deploys psychedelic inspired medicines and therapies to address addiction and mental illness. The company is assembling a compelling drug development pipeline of innovative treatments based on psychedelic substances, including Psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, Revive Therapeutics Ltd (OTC – RVVTF) recently acquired assets of PharmaTher Inc. for the development of psilocybin-based formulations. Silo Pharma Inc. (OTC – SILO) is a developmental stage biopharmaceutical company focused on merging traditional therapeutics with psychedelic research. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 5 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT THE LOBE SCIENCES DIFFERENCE The Big Picture Lobe Sciences is a life sciences company focused on psychedelic medicines. The Company, through collaborations with industry leading partners, is engaged in drug research and development using psychedelic compounds and the development of innovative devices and delivery mechanisms to improve mental health and wellness. GTSIF focuses on the clinical development of devices and medicines to treat specific medical conditions and brain traumas. Additionally, management is actively seeking opportunities to generate ongoing cash flow from licensing and other agreements. On the development side, the Company is focused on the research and the clinical development of psilocybin- based therapeutics for the treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The markets for these indications are vast. The global PTSD therapeutics market is expected to reach a market size of $10.7 billion as per Credence Research. The TBI segment is forecasted by Energias Market Research to reach $156.8B in 2024. According to the CDC, mTBI accounts for 75% of all TBI instances in the US. Given that these injuries can cause long-term or permanent impairments and disabilities, mTBI costs the US and estimated $17B each year. As evidenced by the statistics below, PTSD and mTBI far more common than one may realize. (Analyst’s note: Two of my children have suffered from mTBI and one had a severe bout due to concussions. Therefore, the analyst is uniquely aware of the therapeutic efficacy challenge from existing methods.) ▪ 10% of all adults experience PTSD at least once during their lifetime ▪ 40% of people suffering from mTBI also suffer from PTSD ▪ 8M people suffer from PTSD each year---which has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic ▪ 20% of combat veterans suffer from PTSD The Offerings The Company has launched a preclinical research study using psilocybin (mushrooms) and N-Acetylcysteine (“NAC”) for the treatment of mTBIs including various forms of concussion as well as PTSD. NAC is a dietary supplement derived from the amino acid L-cysteine that has strong applications as an antioxidant for reduction of DNA damage, as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, and for its liver-protective properties and to support a healthy functioning of the immune system. NAC has been used in multiple studies to treat mTBI, which is an inherent advantage for GTSIF. Apart from combining NAC with psilocybin, GTSIF is also working on patents associated with the combination of MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy) and NAC for achieving a similar purpose. Preclinical studies with respect to these combinations are being conducted by the Company along with the scientists at University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine under the leadership of Michael E. Hoffer, M.D., professor of otolaryngology www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 6 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT and neurological surgery. Engineering and prototyping for the Nasal Mist Drug Delivery device is being led by Visionworks Engineering. Going forward, management plans to leverage the results of the study to move forward with animal studies and a future human Phase I clinical trial to determine safety, dosage and efficacy. Interestingly, one of the Company’s unique approaches is the use of micro-dosing of the active ingredients via its Nasal Spray device. Monetizable Assets At present, the Company has five patents pending. Should one or more be awarded, it would be a boon to the Company from the operational, development, and valuation perspectives. A patent award would likely result in prospective licensing arrangements with Big Pharma, even prior to broad changes in state regulations regarding the classification of psychedelics. The patent submissions include: ▪ Psilocybin combined with NAC for the treatment of mTBI and PTSD and other conditions ▪ MDMA combined with NAC for the treatment of mTBI and PTSD and other conditions ▪ Addition of compounds to create memory odor imprint pairing. ▪ Nasal Mist Transducer Device for delivery of medicines directly to the Olfactory Bulb ▪ Virtual Reality Headset combined with the Nasal Mist Device The Latest GTSIF sold certain assets held by Lobe's subsidiary vendor relating to Washington-based Cowlitz County Cannabis Cultivation Inc. to Ionic Brands for total consideration valued at approximately $32M, based on the cash value in respect of the cash portion of the consideration and the previous closing price of the common shares of Ionic Brands on the Canadian Securities Exchange in respect of the share-based consideration. A case can be made that based on yesterday’s news, GTSIF is in a strong financial position relative to many of its peers. The Company can execute now external R&D such as IP acquisition, M&A, or operational funding, on a non-dilutive basis, which is a huge bonus for GTSIF and its shareholders. Plus, as an equity owner, GTSIF has the opportunity to participate in the growth of Ionic Brands, going forward. Upcoming Milestones We view prospective future milestones, which play a key role in future valuation, in three categories: Development, Assets, Expansion. On the development side, the next six months or so should see an evolution of the Nasal Device from prototyping to the commencement of a production design, along with the filing with the FDA for a 510(k) medical device clearance, and related trial protocol design submission. Other development includes the achievement of safety, dosage, and efficacy goals in the current pre-clinical trial, which can lead to future trials and study designs and launches. In our view, this is the most important development milestone sub-category. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 7 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT On the asset side, it is possible GTSUF could be awarded provisional patents which would be a major event for the Company, vis-à-vis its peers. While many firms are targeting the depression indication, for which CMPS is already awarded a patent, GTSIF would gain an early mover advantage for mTBI and PTSD. Furthermore, a patent related to the device would be almost equally as valuable given its potential broad use. Expansion is related to the execution of M&A, IP assets, etc., to enhance and broaden the Company’s product portfolio and increase its shot on goal via new trials. Valuation As evidenced by their outsized market values, COMPASS and MindMed are the 800-pound gorillas in this category, owing to their patents, portfolio size, number of trials/studies, etc. In our view, GTSIF’s shares are grossly undervalued at current levels. The Company is not getting its due for its innovative approach to mTBI and PTSD treatment, as well as its broad device potential. In addition, with 5 submitted patents, and a very seasoned management team with a history of success in health care, GTSIF has hidden assets poised to enable it to achieve its objectives. Finally, the $32M non-dilutive capital provision from the asset sale announced yesterday is not reflected in the share price. Even if we took a roughly 33% haircut ($10M) to the value of the equity, roughly two-thirds of GTSIF’s current market cap are comprised of this transaction alone. Thus, opportunistic investors are essentially getting the underlying core GTSIF for a song, at a ridiculous $12M valuation. Therefore, it could be proffered that GTSIF is worth at least $0.28 today (current market cap plus $22M). Looking ahead, as a series of the aforementioned milestones occur, and the hidden value of self-funding of development and M&A enhances GTSIF’s positioning, we believe that the Company could be in a similar level in which CYBN is today. As a result, our target of $0.68, while 4x the current price, is a 26% discount to CYBN’s current market value. Separately, we are fans of the space and believe many of the companies have bright futures ahead. Table I. GTSIF Publicly-Traded Peer Group (Trading in US and Canada) Price Mkt Cap Company Name Symbol (2/23/21) (mil) Development Stage/Approach COMPASS CMPS $53.11 $1,908 Leader in space with patent to use psilocybin for depression; in Phase 2 trials Cybin CLXPF $1.34 $186 Developer of psychedelics to treat psychiatric and neurological conditions MindMed MMEDF $3.48 $1,127 Broadest pipeline of psycadelics; multiple trials in varied geographies Revive RVVTF $0.40 $95 Just entered space with asset purchase; will continue studies/trials Silo Pharma SILO $0.36 $31 Licensor and funder of assets in space for multiple indications Average $669 GTSIF: Today $0.17 $34 Innovative therapy and delivery device developer in psychadelics space GTSIF: 6 Mo Tgt $0.68 $136 Sources: www.Yahoo!Finance.com, OTC Markets, Company websites, Goldman Small Cap Research www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 8 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT LOBE SCIENCES LEADERSHIP TEAM Corporate Executives Philip J. Young, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Young is an analytical and results driven life sciences executive who has successfully managed public and private companies through product development, international growth, commercialization and M&A transactions. He has served as a Director and Chief Executive Officer for public companies for the past 20 years where has had created significant shareholder value, built integrated scientific, manufacturing and commercial operations, directed successful M&A transactions and was responsible for generating more the $900M through acquisitions and equity financings. Mr. Young started his management career in the biopharmaceutical industry at Genentech Inc. where he was responsible for their cardiovascular and endocrine product launches sales and marketing. Brian Zasitko, Chief Financial Officer Brian has over 13 years of experience across a variety of private and public sector companies in the cannabis, agriculture, manufacturing, and utility industries. He has extensive experience in financial reporting and corporate governance, as well as in the capital markets. Previously, Brian was a manager at Ernst & Young LLP, where he obtained his CPA, CA designation. Maghsoud Dariani, Chief Science Officer Concurrent to leading science and technology efforts at LOBE, Maghsoud is also President and CEO of Semorex Inc. – a privately held company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for cancer. Prior to joining Semorex, Dariani was President of Focus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he managed the development and approval of drug products, achieving one FDA approval and bringing another to the clinical evaluation stage, then successfully negotiated the sale of the company in February 2003. Prior to Focus, Maghsoud was Vice President of the chiral pharmaceutical business unit at Celgene Corporation. During his twelve years at Celgene, he was responsible for the successful development and FDA approval of the pure versions of Ritalin, which are currently marketed by Novartis under the Focalin and Focalin XR trade names. Dr. Mark A. Geyer, PhD., Science Advisor Dr. Geyer is Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Neurosciences Emeritus at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and directs the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit of the VISN 22 Veterans Administration Mental Illness Research, Clinical, and Education Center. Since receiving his doctorate in Psychology in 1972, he has focused on basic research addressing the behavioral and neurobiological effects of psychedelics and other psychoactive drugs. Dr. Geyer is respected internationally for his research. He has published over 470 peer-reviewed papers, including many addressing the mechanisms subserving the effects of psychostimulants, psychedelics, and entactogens. Dr. Geyer’s broad experience as a researcher, grant reviewer, journal editor, and teacher lends invaluable scientific and professional expertise to our Company. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 9 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT Board of Directors Jonathan Gilbert, Executive Chairman Most recently, Jonathan was the founder and CEO at Tassili LifeSciences, Corp., a biotech firm conducting research utilizing Psilocybin. Tassili was successfully acquired by a public company in March of 2020. He was also the founder and CEO of Scythian Biosciences, Inc. from December of 2014 through May of 2018. Scythian was a publicly traded research and development company in Canada focusing on the prevention and treatment of concussions and traumatic brain injury with its proprietary Cannabinoid combination, as well as strategic investments and partnerships across cultivation, distribution and retail of legal Cannabis. Prior to founding Scythian Biosciences, from January 2013 to December 2014, Gilbert was Marketing Officer for Commonwealth Opportunity Capital, GP, a hedge fund based in Greenwich, Connecticut. From October of 1995 until December of 2012, Jonathan was the owner and operator of Gilbert Capital Management, Corp., a full-service private wealth management firm. Leighton Bocking, Director Leighton has been working in the capital markets for over 15 years. His primary role has been as an independent corporate development consultant in addition to holding various directorship positions. Leighton has been particularly focused on financing and structuring companies. An active investor, he started in the industry at Canaccord before moving to the public company side of the business. Michael Petter, Director Michael is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur in the psychedelics and cannabis industry, co-founding and acting as a director of several companies that successfully completed M&A transactions. He holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from London University, is a Chartered Engineer and private pilot. Since January 2009, he has been the Managing Director of Eyvo eProcurement Solutions, a US-based private company that is a leading eProcurement provider in the SaaS space. He also runs a business mentoring program that assists businesses and individuals with change management. Mike was co- founder and director of Eleusian Biosciences Corp., which the Company acquired in July 2020. He also co-founded and was a director of Tassili Life Sciences Corp. which was acquired by CSE-listed Champignon Brands Inc. in March 2020. Mr. Petter has independent board experience being chairman of a compensation committee and as a member of an audit committee. His executive advisory skills focus on providing guidance on strategy, operations, finance and logistics. FINANCIALS SNAPSHOT As a pre-revenue R&D company there is little relative financial data aside from the present $300,000 monthly burn rate, which is in line with companies at this stage. In our view, the most important aspect of the Company’s current and future financial standing relating to its most recent divestiture. A case can be made that based on yesterday’s news, GTSIF is in a strong financial position relative to many of its peers. The Company can execute now external R&D such as IP acquisition, M&A, or operational funding, on a non-dilutive basis, which is a huge bonus for GTSIF and its shareholders. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 10 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT Deal Highlights GTSIF sold certain assets held by Lobe's subsidiary vendor relating to Washington-based Cowlitz County Cannabis Cultivation Inc. to Ionic Brands for total consideration valued at approximately $32M, based on the cash value in respect of the cash portion of the consideration and the previous closing price of the common shares of Ionic Brands on the Canadian Securities Exchange in respect of the share-based consideration. The $32M in total sale proceeds to be received including a combination of cash, secured promissory note, and preferred shares of Ionic Brands Corp. This structure provides the Company with non-dilutive capital which is critical to management’s M&A objectives. Plus, as an equity owner, GTSIF has the opportunity to participate in the growth of Ionic Brands, going forward. Lobe's subsidiary vendor will receive consideration payable through a combination of: • the payment of Cdn$1,750,000 in cash • the issuance 100,406,701 series E non-voting preferred shares of Ionic Brands • Each Ionic Brands Pref Share is exchangeable into one Ionic Brands Share on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment) • Each Pref Share carries an annual dividend equal to 13% for a period of two years with Ionic Brands Pref Shares automatically converting to Ionic Brands Shares four years from the issuance date • Lobe's subsidiary vendor shall, immediately upon receipt of the Ionic Brands Pref Shares, convert the lesser of: (a) 9.99% of the total number of Ionic Brands Pref Shares; and (b) that number of Ionic Brands Pref Shares that would, upon conversion, result in Lobe's subsidiary vendor holding not more than 9.99% of the outstanding Ionic Brands Share, on a post-closing basis • the issuance of 4,000,000 Ionic Brands warrants with each Ionic Brands Warrant exercisable into one Ionic Brands Share at a price of $0.30 per Ionic Brands Share for a period of five (5) years • a secured promissory note in the principal amount of USD$50,000 maturing two (2) years from the date of issue and bearing interest at a rate of 7%, secured by defined Assets RISK FACTORS In our view, the Company’s biggest risks are related to the Company’s R&D efforts, including efficacy and timing of its trials and studies for its nasal delivery device and treatment of mTBI and PTSD with micro-dosed psilocybin. Given the likely favorable safety profile for its offerings, and even modest demonstration of efficacy should foster further FDA submissions for additional studies and trials. A separate risk could be in the form of access to complementary IP or prospective acquisitions to broaden the Company’s portfolio. We believe that given GTSIF’s high-profile, innovative approach, and its unique availability of non-dilutive capital for the acquisition of related assets, GTSIF stands to emerge as the firm sellers would wish to partner. Looking further down the road, a key risk would relate to FDA approval or clearance of its offerings or the potential need to be first to market. Still, even with such clearance, potential hurdles exist in the form of timing and magnitude of the sales and marketing ramp, due to a likely requirement to educate both clinicians and patients on the merits of using psychedelic medicine to treat the aforementioned conditions. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 11 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT The risks outlined above could come from larger competitors, existing firms, or new entrants. Still, these future concerns are consistent with firms of GTSIFs size and standing. Moreover, we believe that GTSIF’s seasoned management team is prepared to overcome these hurdles and emerge as a leader in the space. An industry-specific risk is related to the regulatory environment. Many psychedelic drugs in the U.S. are categorized as Schedule 1, including MDMA (ecstasy), LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylemide), psilocybin (mushrooms), mescaline, heroin, and cannabis which could inhibit growth or development in the industry as a whole. We believe that restrictions would be lifted rather than enforced but that is merely our opinion. Volatility and liquidity are typical concerns for microcap stocks that trade on the over the counter (OTC) stock market. While competing firms may have to go to market and execute dilutive or unfavorable funding parameters to achieve its goals, it is unlikely that GTSIF would be required to seek this path in the near term. If a large deal presents itself, however, we believe that such corporate expansion could be executed with favorable terms, given GTSIF’s assets, An overriding financial benefit as a public company is the favorable access to and the availability of capital to execute M&A, fund product development or launches, and other initiatives. Since the proceeds of any future funding would be used in large part to advance major business development and sales, we believe that any dilutive effect from such a funding could be offset by related increases in market value. CONCLUSION Lobe Sciences appears poised to emerge as an innovative leader in the development of psychedelic medicines and drug delivery devices to treat a variety of unmet needs, representing multi-billion-dollar markets. Primary indications include mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using a psilocybin/N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) combination. Leveraging its five submitted patents and unique approach, GTSIF is currently engaged in a preclinical study at the University of Miami. Plus, the Nasal device is presently in the prototyping phase. The Company is also developing a unique Nasal Mist device that could be used with its flagship medicine under development or as a broad-based delivery system. Going forward, management will likely submit for FDA 510(k) clearance for this device, broadening its reach and generating revenue. Management just completed an asset sale through a subsidiary vendor that will provide $32M in non-dilutive capital---an event and figure not reflected in the current stock price. Thus, GTSIF can largely self-fund development, M&A, and IP acquisition. Based on the peer group valuations and the value of upcoming milestones, we arrive at a six-month target price of $0.68, a level 4x higher than current prices. www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 12 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT RECENT TRADING HISTORY FOR GTSIF (Source: www.StockCharts.com) www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 13 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT SENIOR ANALYST: ROBERT GOLDMAN Rob Goldman founded Goldman Small Cap Research in 2009 and has over 25 years of investment and company research experience as a senior research analyst and as a portfolio and mutual fund manager. During his tenure as a sell side analyst, Rob was a senior member of Piper Jaffray's Technology and Communications teams. Prior to joining Piper, Rob led Josephthal & Co.'s Washington-based Emerging Growth Research Group. In addition to his sell-side experience Rob served as Chief Investment Officer of a boutique investment management firm and Blue and White Investment Management, where he managed Small Cap Growth portfolios and The Blue and White Fund. ANALYST CERTIFICATION I, Robert Goldman, hereby certify that the view expressed in this research report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject securities and issuers. I also certify that no part of my compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the recommendations or views expressed in this research report. DISCLAIMER This Opportunity Research report was prepared for informational purposes only. Goldman Small Cap Research, (a division of Two Triangle Consulting Group, LLC) produces research via two formats: Goldman Select Research and Goldman Opportunity Research. The Select format reflects the Firm’s internally generated stock ideas along with economic and stock market outlooks. Opportunity Research reports, updates and Microcap Hot Topics articles reflect sponsored (paid) research but can also include non- sponsored micro-cap research ideas that typically carry greater risks than those stocks covered in the Select Research category. It is important to note that while we may track performance separately, we utilize many of the same coverage criteria in determining coverage of all stocks in both research formats. Research reports on profiled stocks in the Opportunity Research format typically have a higher risk profile and may offer greater upside. Goldman Small Cap Research was compensated by a third party in the amount of $4500 for a research report production and distribution, including a press release. All information contained in this report was provided by the Company via filings, press releases or its website, or through our own due diligence. Our analysts are responsible only to the public, and are paid in advance to eliminate pecuniary interests, retain editorial control, and ensure independence. Analysts are compensated on a per report basis and not on the basis of his/her recommendations. Goldman Small Cap Research is not affiliated in any way with Goldman Sachs & Co. Separate from the factual content of our articles about the Company, we may from time to time include our own opinions about the Company, its business, markets and opportunities. Any opinions we may offer about the Company are solely our own and are made in reliance upon our rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and are provided solely for the general opinionated discussion of our readers. Our opinions should not be considered to be complete, precise, accurate, or current investment advice. Such information and the opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. The information used and statements of fact made have been obtained from sources considered reliable but we neither guarantee nor represent the completeness or accuracy. Goldman Small Cap Research did not make an independent investigation or inquiry as to the accuracy of any information provided by the Company, or other firms. Goldman Small Cap Research relied solely upon information provided by the Company through its filings, press releases, presentations, and through its own internal due diligence for accuracy and www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 14 of 15
Investment and Company Research Opportunity Research COMPANY REPORT completeness. Such information and the opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. A Goldman Small Cap Research report or note is not intended as an offering, recommendation, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned or discussed. This report does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. This report does not provide all information material to an investor’s decision about whether or not to make any investment. Any discussion of risks in this presentation is not a disclosure of all risks or a complete discussion of the risks mentioned. Neither Goldman Small Cap Research, nor its parent, is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with FINRA, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or with any state securities regulatory authority. ALL INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, TWO TRIANGLE CONSULTING GROUP, LLC WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY OR TIMELINESS OF THIS INFORMATION, OR FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF THIS INFORMATION BY YOU OR ANYONE ELSE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF OPPORTUNITIES, TRADING LOSSES, AND DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY INACCURACY OR INCOMPLETENESS OF THIS INFORMATION). TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TWO TRIANGLE CONSULTING GROUP, LLC WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANYONE ELSE UNDER ANY TORT, CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, PRODUCTS LIABILITY, OR OTHER THEORY WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION. For more information, visit our Disclaimer: www.goldmanresearch.com www.goldmanresearch.com Copyright © Goldman Small Cap Research, 2021 Page 15 of 15
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